DALAT, June 4: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg today approved four major projects costing a total of RM34 million to improve treated water supply in Dalat District.
These four projects are (1) relocation of Sg Kut Muara raw water intake, (2) improvement works to existing water supply system at Dalat, Oya and Kut, (3) water supply under SAWAS for Kampung Klid and Kampung Narub, and (4) water supply under SAWAS for Ng Baoh.
Work on these four projects is expected to start this month and completed in November next year.
Abang Johari made the announcement after being briefed by Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) director Chong Kuet Shian at Dalat District Office today. He later visited the Sg Kut Muara Water Treatment Plant.
Meanwhile, Dalat assemblywoman Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, who was also present, said there had been frequent water interruptions in Dalat, especially in Sg Kut, and early last year, JBALB here wrote to its headquarters asking for a budget.
“I followed up with telephone calls, WhatsApps (messages) and meetings with the relevant agencies to solve the problem.
“The last round of discussion was in April this year, chaired by myself. Due to budget constraints, I brought this matter to the chief minister on May 21,” she related.
“On behalf of the people in Dalat and Ng Baoh, I would like to thank the chief minister for personally going to the ground and announcing the good news (budget) himself,” said Fatimah, who is also Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development, in a statement.
Fatimah added that Abang Johari wanted work on these four projects to be implemented concurrently to ensure its speedy completion.
In the meantime, in the event of water disruption at Sg Kut Muara due to siltation at the water intake point, water will be supplied from the Dalat water treatment plant.
“This will alleviate the inconvenience caused while the pump is being repaired,” said Fatimah. — DayakDaily
